|
|
|
|
|
|
With the
technical stuff out of the way, why not delve into the greater meanings of the
anime and why it possibly appeals to the viewers?
!!!warning!!! Some content of the agendas explored here may contain explicit language. Most contain references to personal thoughts of the Web Mistress, which do not intend to offend, but if offence it taken - and at an overdose - visitors are advised to exit the page (or preferably the site). Identities of the people the Web Mistress knows and mentions in her thoughts are protected.
Well said, Kensuke. In my opinion, your explanation about MIsato's true self is one of the most valued statements of the show, and the reason why I find this statement so valuable is because it applies very much to me as well as to other people. (Alright, I'm answering with all the honesty of God Himself here...) In the face of
society, I am quite quiet and reserved. I make painstaking efforts to be
well-liked (you know, in the way quiet people are liked), and I rarely swear or
lose my temper. This public appearance has gained me the respect of my peers and
teachers. However, when I am at home, it's a completely different story. I fool
around with my brother and even humiliate myself with stupidity my friends would
not believe I was ever capable of! This is all good so far, but if I were to act
this way outside, I'd be dubbed an "asshole" or a "stupid
bitch". Therefore, I can relate to Kensuke's statement because it is true.
My family accept me for who I am. I behave in a manner (unknown to my
friends or acquaintances) when with my family because they accept. The
dictations of society and the individual personalities of people prevent me from
being accepted in the same, unquestioning way (although I am aware that there
are societies capable of the same, unquestioning acceptance, so no offence).
I found these
lines interesting because it was a new concept to me, and it soon became
apparent that the impressions of the people 'in' my mind are some of the most
precious memories I have. For example, in my mind there is an impression of a
friend I haven't seen for almost seven years. She moved away in year six
and the memory of her in my mind is still alive. But the thing is, that living
memory embodies an old impression of my friend. I called her not long ago
and the sound of her voice immediately notified me that she had changed. This
unsettled me because I was expecting the old impression. It never
occurred to me that I could ever be out of date with a friend. I became very
worried that the 'new impression' would dislike me because she is in the same
position... (Thus leading smoothly onto the next agenda...)
Shinji may be the least likeable character in 'Neon Genesis Evangelion', but he does have a point. No one wants to be hated - ever - unless they perceive hatred as a form of redemption. No one likes to learn that someone hates them, regardless of who this person is. Whether it is a person you hate with mutual passion or someone you probably won't see again for the rest of your life. It is very painful for you to learn that you are hated for illogical reasons or for no reason at all. And it is especially painful for you to learn what you are hated for, and the fact that you realize you cannot redeem or change yourself. To shine a
more positive light on the agenda, wanting to be liked is no crime. I
recently met a Dutch girl at work (she is on her third visit to England and
visits the country to improve her English), and I like her very much. I think
she likes me as well (I hope she does!). The nicest thing about wanting to be
liked and to be liked is when it happens naturally and without
any prompts. And the bonus to that is, when you part ways with your friends,
they take a memory of you somewhere else in the world. This memory is preserved
and constantly blooms throughout its existence.
Two significant attributes to a human: songs and smiles. As Kaworu Nagisa wisely stated, music is the highest form in human culture. It plays a huge part in our perceptions and responses to the world, as well as providing the ultimate means of expression. Neon Genesis Evangelion has an amazing soundtrack, which captures the moods of the series and the personalities of the characters. I can't quite put to words what music exactly does for human beings, but for me, it helps me 'communicate' with something deep inside my mind. I wouldn't call it my soul or my spirit, but my true self. Smiles also communicate a deep message. Happiness, sadness, appreciation... Throughout Episode 24, Kaworu is constantly smiling. He deceives unconsciously because he isn't aware that his smiles are ironic. He comes across as a good person, yet he is the 17th Angel come to destroy all of humanity. It tore me up afterwards thinking about what kind of message his smiling gave me. "Smile, for life is too short." Even though he knew he was going to be the one responsible for the death of humanity, he smiled anyway. Even though he succeeded in achieving the confidence of Shinji Ikari and was certain to destroy it that very same day, he smiled anyway. Even though he knew he had to die, he smiled anyway. There is something incredibly admirable about that kind of attitude, and ever since, I have smiled a great deal more. |
